Conservative Groups Frame New Rhode Island Land Access Program As ‘Land Grab’

Jay Dame and his son Justin Dame are among a group of farmers who don’t support a new land access program being developed by the Department of Environmental Management. Credit: Ambar Espinoza / RIPR

Farming is a growing industry in Rhode Island, with many new farmers starting small businesses. But when they don’t come from farming families, finding land can be a challenge, especially in a state with the most expensive farmland in the country. To help new farmers purchase land, state officials have set up a new land access program as part of a longstanding effort to acquire and preserve green space. Now that program has come under attack by a conservative movement.

Visit RIPR for the full story.